For immediate release: January 13, 2021

Metro announces Inauguration service plans, station closures

Inauguration 2021 Rail service Map

Metro today announced service adjustments for Metrorail and Metrobus to accommodate the expanded security perimeter that will be in effect for Inauguration beginning Friday, January 15 through Thursday, January 21.

Metro will close 13 stations inside the security perimeter, with 11 stations closing on Friday and two additional stations on Saturday and continuing through the end of service on Thursday. During this time trains will pass through the closed stations without stopping. 

Beginning on Friday and continuing for six days, trains will operate Saturday service frequencies (every 12 minutes on the Red Line/15 minutes on all other lines), bypassing all closed stations while residents are urged by local officials to stay out of the downtown area.

“We are working closely with our regional and federal partners to keep the public safe during this National Special Security Event and to discourage travel within the secure zone,” said General Manager Paul J. Wiedefeld. “While we are supporting law enforcement plans to enhance security, we are also keeping essential services in place for our residents who need to get to work, to medical appointments, and to grocery stores.”

In addition, 26 bus routes will be detoured around the expanded security perimeter beginning on Friday through Thursday. Metrobus will operate normal service on weekdays and weekends to accommodate customers making trips outside the zone, with the exception of January 20th, when buses will operate on a Saturday schedule.

Service information

Metrorail:

Friday, January 15, through Thursday, January 21

  • Metrorail will operate from 5 a.m. until 11 p.m. on weekdays, 7 a.m. until 11 p.m. on Saturday and 8 a.m. until 11 p.m. on Sunday.*
  • Trains will run on a Saturday schedule, every 12 minutes on the Red Line and every 15 minutes on all other lines.
  • Stations closed:
    Red Line  Farragut North, Judiciary Square, Union Station
    Yellow Line Green Line Archives
    Blue Line Arlington Cemetery
    Blue LineOrange LineSilver Line Farragut West, McPherson Square, Federal Center SW, Capitol South, Smithsonian, Federal Triangle
  • Trains will pass through the stations without stopping.
Beginning Saturday, January 16, through Thursday, January 21:

  • Metro Center and Gallery Place stations will close and trains will pass through the stations without stopping.

Metrobus 

  • Buses will operate on normal weekday and weekend schedules, except for Inauguration Day.
  • Buses will operate on a Saturday schedule on Inauguration Day, January 20. Check timetables for schedule information.
  • Customers traveling through downtown should allow additional travel time due to detours and road closures around the security perimeter.

Additional station closures and bus detours may be necessary on a temporary basis during this period for security reasons.

Online tools, including crowding information or real time arrivals, may not be available due to the continuously changing operational environment. Customers are encouraged to sign up for MetroAlerts for up-to-the-minute email or text message of service information.

*Updated 9:15 p.m. 1/13/2021 to reflect operating hours